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New team for Gretna

A NEW football team is forming in Gretna and is looking to join the Dumfries Sunday League.

AFC Gretna has already begun signing players from across the region, boasting 16 players on their books, and hopes to play their first set of friendly matches in January.

Manager Jay Stubbs said: “We have set this club up because Gretna has been lacking a real local team for a few years now, if you look at Gretna 2008 not many local players get the chance to show what they have got. I first had the idea to set up a club in Gretna not long after CFC Bowholm from Canonbie folded in 2017 and we are now looking for anyone who loves the beautiful game and is interested in helping this club progress.”

The club also features what will be the youngest manager in the league should they gain entry, with Stubbs being only 20. He played a range of youth football before eventually being a regular starter for CFC Bowholm and FC Annan, with striker being his preferred position. Despite his age and lack of managerial experience, Stubbs is confident his team can go on and challenge the top clubs, owing to the support he is receiving from ex-teammates and coaches.

Looking to the future, the manager is confident his team can go on to do big things and said: “We may be starting in the Sunday League but we will not be your typical Sunday league team, We look to push beyond that level in the future and climb our way up the divisions.”

The club will be split between Graitney and Springfield for their home games as they look to find a permanent home for the fledgling footballers.